AUGUSTA — Maine State Senate President Mike Thibodeau, R-Waldo, said he is glad to see that Governor Paul LePage is taking a personal interest in the case of murdered 10-year-old Marissa Kennedy, following the governor’s first public comments about the case. Thibodeau said he looked forward to a Government Oversight Committee vote on Friday on the matter.

Thibodeau said in a media release that “we all owe it to Marissa to get a clear explanation of what happened.”

Marissa Kennedy was found deceased by first responders Feb. 25, following months of daily abuse at the hands of her mother and stepfather. 

Sharon Carrillo, 33, and Julio Carrillo, 51, were arrested Feb. 26 and charged with depraved indifference murder. Both remain in custody on $500,000 cash bail without a surety bond. 

“That is why we need to have an investigation, so we can understand how the system failed and make sure it never happens again. I am personally encouraging the Government Oversight Committee to vote on Friday to have a thorough investigation into this matter,” he said. 

LePage made his first comments about the case on camera after being approached by a News Center Maine reporter. See the video here.

He said in the interview that while DHHS has some issues that need to be looked at, the issue needs to be addressed at the legislature.  

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com